A personcan apply for settled status if s/he has been living in the UK for five years with leave to remain as a work permit holder, business person, innovator, investor, retired person of independent means, artist, composer or writer, or in certain types of permit-free employment. S/he can include in the application her/his spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner, any children under the age of 18 and any dependent relatives. The client and her/his spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner will each have to demonstrate knowledge of English language and life in the UK, unless they are exempt from this requirement.